Future and Hope

Future and Hope

未來與希望

by Venerable Master Hsing Yun 星雲大師 著

Words from the Founding President

Where is Hope

A nation without hope will not be rich and strong, a people without hope will not be able to thrive, and an organization without hope will not be able to develop. Thus, people need to live with hope in order to have a promising future. Hope sometimes comes from the encouragement of others, but more often, the realization of hope depends on the individual setting goals. A life of hope will be one filled with wondrous matters. We hope for tomorrow: nice sunny weather, visits from friends, delivery of a new book, and flowers to bloom in our garden. We may also hope for hearing an inspiring speech, reading a good book, making a kind friend, finding a secure job, receiving a steady salary, owning a little house, gaining a close friend or distancing ourselves from all unfortunate incidents. Because life has all of these hopes, our days will be happy, and living will be filled with interest and fun.Hope is the motivator of life, and a life with hope is one that has meaning. So where do we find hope? In the eight explanations below:

Hope lies in tomorrow: After a night’s rest, our spirit and physical strength are renewed. The next day we can renew ourselves with energy in the work we enjoy doing. How can tomorrow not be filled with hope and happiness?

Hope lies straight ahead: A puppy tries to catch its own tail, running around in circles. A big dog asks, “Why are you going in circles?” The puppy replies, “I heard that a dog’s happiness and hope can be found on its tail. I want to catch it” The big dog says, “If you keep moving ahead, wouldn’t happiness and hope follow you along?” So where is hope? Hope lies just straight ahead.

Hope lies in rising early: “Early birds get the worm.” By rising early, we can enjoy the fresh morning air and tranquility. Getting up early, we can read a book or the newspaper and plan the day’s work. Living the day with such ease and leisure, how can we not be happy about it?

Hope lies in diligence: Success is the hope of every person. In order for our hope to be realized, we must be diligent. Hence, with diligence there is hope.

Hope lies in learning: Learn a language, learn a skill, learn to be compassionate, learn to be generous, learn to be joyous, and learn to be passionate. Learning is a powerful motivator in life and where hope lies.

Hope lies in taking initiative: Hope is not waiting for someone else to give something good to us. Hope is taking the initiative to create something good for ourselves. We should take the initiative to clean the house, visit a friend, finish our assignments, and plan for the future. If we take the initiative for what we do, there will be passion and hope.

Hope lies in dedication: Having the resolve to help others to complete a good deed, read a good book for someone, volunteer at a hospital, pay homage to the Buddha, and chant a sutra at a temple. With resolve, there is motivation; with motivation, there is hope.

Hope lies in creating affinities: Every day we should think of how to create affinities with our friends and what we can do for society. What can we do for helping the disadvantaged? Let us make today a “Give a helping hand day!” for you, for them, and for the public. If we think of how to help others, we will not be concerned about our own personal losses and gains. Life will naturally be filled with hope.Hope is empowering and magnificent. Where there is hope, there is interest and fun. Where there is hope, there is success. Where there is hope, there is a future. Where is hope? Hope lies within our minds.

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Buddha’s Birthday Festival 2017

Join us in our 2-day celebration held over the weekend. Various Buddhist cultures join together to provide a wonderful feast experience. Sit back and enjoy the day by watching live multicultural performances, the lion dance, Master Hsing Yun's One Stroke Calligraphy Exhibition and more!